Packaging sachet

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a packaging sachet for liquid or pasty consumer products, which sachet allows dipping objects in the packaging sachet or squeezing the product out of the packaging sachet. The packaging sachet comprises a bottom face, a front face, and two lateral faces, wherein the bottom face and the front face each have the shape of a triangle, the triangles sharing their base lines, and wherein a seal rim joins the ends of the lateral faces which are not adjacent to the front or bottom face, wherein the seal rim comprises a curved area, or wherein the seal rim comprises at least one angle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a packaging sachet. It further relatesto a method for applying a consumer product on a food product or on thebody, and to the use of such a packaging sachet for dispensing oroffering a consumer product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer goods that are used in relatively small quantities are normallypackaged, for example in unit-dosed quantities. The packaging used forthis purpose can be for example a sachet or a tub. Unit-dosed packagingis especially, though not exclusively, used when the consumer goods areintended for the professional market. Examples of unit-dosed consumergoods are sachets of sauce, like mayonnaise, ketchup or soy sauce,sachets of salad dressing, sachets of personal care products, like skincream or shampoo. In the case of food products, these products can beprovided by the restaurateur next to an ordered meal. Personal careproducts can for example be provided by a hotel or by a company forsample-format packaging or travel-format packaging.

With regard to packaged food products, in this context consumers appearto have different preferences when combining the content of theunit-dose packaging with their food. One group of consumers prefers todip pieces of food, like French fries, separately in a sauce, forexample ketchup or mayonnaise, before eating these pieces of food. Forthese consumers, a tub, often conveniently closed with a seal, is mostpreferred. Examples of tubs used for unit-dosing are tubs comprisingbutter or margarine, or fruit jams. Other consumers prefer to apply thesauce over the food or the dish, and then consume the dish, without thedesire to apply sauce several times. In the latter case, the content ofthe unit-dose packaging is, often entirely, poured or squeezed out ofthe packaging. For these consumers, the stick-pack sachet is mostpreferred. A stick-pack sachet is a tube of flexible material such asfoil or paper, which is normally closed with a seal at both ends.

With regard to packaged personal care products, in this contextconsumers have preferences as well, for emptying the unit dosepackaging. Some people prefer to empty part of the packaging or theentire packaging on a body part or a hand, followed by dividing it overthe body. Others prefer to dose the personal care product such as acream based on the amount that attaches to their finger when they touchthe product.

These preferences obviously may depend on the type of product.

To meet these deviating consumer desires, it is desired to provide apackaging sachet that can be used in situations where emptying bysqueezing (the ‘squeezing format’) is desired, and in situations,wherein the packaging should allow access to relatively large food itemsor to fingers that need to contact the product contained in thepackaging sachet (the ‘dipping format’).

A problem with a conventional stick-pack sachet is that it does notallow dipping activities. In addition, stick packs make the table dirtyafter using them. Efficient emptying of a stick pack requires two hands:one to hold the stick-pack, the other to rub the content from the oneend to the exit end. In a situation where only one hand is available, asthe other holds for example a fork, this may be experienced asinconvenient. Finally, stick packs use relatively high amounts ofpackaging material compared to the amount of product that is containedby them.

A problem observed with tub-shaped unit-dose packagings, is that it isnot easy to empty the packaging and distribute it over the food or body.The content sticks to the packaging. A tub-shaped packaging normally isof rigid material and does not allow emptying by squeezing thepackaging. Another disadvantage is the use of different materials forthe tub and the seal, which may result in additional costs, extraprocess steps and/or increased environmental impact.

The prior art discloses several packagings, with varying shapes. Thesepackagings are not used as unit-dose packagings for consumer goods andare for example used as a refillable container or are otherwisedifferent from the packaging sachet of the present invention. Thesepackagings do not show the advantages as provided by the packagingsachet of the present invention, i.e. providing both the possibility forthe ‘squeezing format’ and for the ‘dipping format’.

JP08-318971 discloses a packaging container for liquid material havingthe shape of a tetraeder, which has a pair of oppositely positionedridge sides formed by heat sealing. At one end of the ridges an unsealedopening is provided to discharge liquid material.

JP2011-184064 and US2008/0037912 discloses triangular pyramid-shapedpackaging bags. The top of the pyramid can be torn off via a notch andtear-line.

WO03/064265 discloses a pouch container including a side-top portion anda bottom portion defining a tetrahedron body. The side-top portion andthe bottom portion are sealed by a vertical seal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,386 discloses a container for liquids or fluidproducts. Two mutually opposite quadrangular faces are sealed alongconsecutive sides while the third side is of each of the two faces isconnected by an accordion like portion which forms a substantiallytriangular base for the container and a fourth side has an additionalaccordion like portion which forms a closure wall. The container has afilling opening on one of the two first sides or on the corners wherethey converge.

A need exist to provide a packaging sachet for unit-dosing of liquid orpasty consumer products that allows emptying by squeezing and allows tobe opened in a way that it can allow dipping of larger objects into thecontent of the packaging. Such a packaging preferably fits naturally ina hand, to allow efficient emptying when squeezing the content out ofthe packaging. The packaging is preferably capable of free standing on asurface and remains open after opening. In this way it providesoptimally the dipping option, without tilting over and thereby spoilingthe table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, these challenges were met by a packaging sachet comprisinga bottom face (1), a front face (2), and two lateral faces (3),

wherein the bottom face and the front face each have the shape of atriangle, the triangles sharing their base lines (4), andwherein a seal rim (5) joins the ends of the lateral faces which are notadjacent to the front or bottom face, wherein the seal rim (5) comprisesat least one of a curved area (6 a), and an angle (6 b). Preferably, theangle between the front face and the bottom face, preferably between thefront face and the projected bottom face, is obtuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The packaging sachet of the present invention comprises a bottom face(1). The bottom face will be easily recognised by the person skilled inthe art. It is the face which faces the surface on which the sachetstands in its natural position. The bottom face has a triangular shape.Preferably, the shape is an acute triangle, most preferably an isoscelestriangle. The angle of the apex of this preferably isosceles triangle ispreferably of between 30 and 60, preferably of between 40 and 50degrees. The triangular shape of the bottom face provides severaladvantages: with regards to the ‘dipping format’, the triangular baseprovides a stable basis for the sachet, allowing a consumer to dip fooditems into the sachet, without the sachet tilting, thereby spoiling thetable. Furthermore, it results in an opening of the sachet when the toppart of the sealing rim is removed, to create the ‘dipping format’ ofthe packaging, with a reduced risk that the side faces of the sachetremain stuck together. With regards to the ‘squeeze format’, thetriangular shape of the bottom face provides a natural fit in the hand.Furthermore, the triangular shape contributes to an efficient emptyingof the sachet during squeezing. The surface of the bottom face ispreferably plane. Plane should be construed as fitting in a 2dimensional plane. It preferably is not bulged out by design, therebyforming a 3 dimensional shape. It preferably does not comprise a creaseline or a fold. The bottom face can be parallel to the surface on whichthe sachets stands, but it is preferred that the bottom face shows anangle, for example of between 1 and 45 degrees, preferably of between 10and 30 degrees, with the surface on which the sachet stands. In thesituation that the bottom face shows an angle with the surface on whichthe packaging stands, the sachet preferably rests on the basis of thetriangular bottom face (which is the basis of the triangular front face)and on sealing rims (9), adjacent to the two sides of the bottom facewhich are directed towards the apex of the triangular bottom face. Inthis respect, preferably, the bottom face is located between two sealingrims located at the two respective sides of the triangular bottom facethat are directed to the apex of the triangular bottom face, and whichextend from the two lateral faces.

The front face has a triangular shape. Preferably, the front side is anacute triangle, most preferably, an isosceles acute triangle or anequilateral acute triangle. The triangular shape is essential formaintaining the opening of the sachet, when the sachet is used in the“dipping format” by a cup-shape as has been created after removal of theupper seal, reducing the risk that the side faces stick together. Whenthe sachet is used as a “squeezing format”, the triangular shape of thefront face allows that a sufficiently wide opening is created which doesnot easily reclose, and from which the content of the sachet can bedispensed easily. The latter advantage is even more prominent when theviscosity of the content of the sachet is relatively low, like forexample in relatively runny products. The surface of the front face ispreferably plane. It preferably is not bulged out by design. Itpreferably does not comprise a crease line or a fold. It preferably fitsis in a two dimensional plane.

The apex of the triangular front face is directed upwards. The basis ofthe triangle forming the triangular bottom face is connected to thebasis of the triangular front face, in this way the triangular bottomface and the triangular front face share their bases. Preferably theangle between the front face and the bottom face, preferably between thefront face and the projected bottom face (vertical projection of thebottom face on a horizontal reference surface on which the sachet standswhen the triangular bottom face is facing said surface), is obtuse,preferably is of between 90 degrees and 150 degrees, more preferably ofbetween 100 degrees and 140 degrees, most preferably of between 110 and130 degrees. The angle between the faces is understood by the skilledperson as the angle between the respective intersections of the faceswith a reference plane that is located perpendicular to both of the twofaces. As will be understood, the angle is considered the angle that islocated at the inside of the packaging sachet. Preferably, the angle (α)between the respective middle lines of the front face and the bottomface, preferably of the front face and the projected bottom face(vertical projection of the bottom face on the surface on which thesachet stands in its natural position, i.e. with the triangular bottomface facing said surface), is obtuse, preferably is of between 90degrees and 150 degrees, more preferably of between 100 degrees and 140degrees, most preferably of between 110 and 130 degrees. A too wideangle increases the risk that the sachet tilts-over, compromising thedipping function. Further, the indicated angles provide a natural fit inthe hand of a consumer. In addition, it provides optimal dispensingperformance. For example, an angle smaller than 90 degrees easilyresults in complications during emptying the sachet by squeezing it, asthe content of the sachet will spoil the fingers of the user. In thismanner, the squeeze-emptying function of the sachet will be compromised,which is not desired.

The packaging further comprises two lateral faces (3). These facespreferably each comprise more than 3 corners, preferably 4. It can bepreferred that they comprise each more than 4 corners. Preferably, acorner (6 b) is present opposite to the corner that is shared by thebottom face and the front face. The lateral faces are preferably sealedto the bottom face. The seals connecting the lateral faces to the bottomface preferably extend further than the bottom face, in this way forming2-dimensional rims (9). Such a preferably V-shaped rim structure,wherein the top of the V is located where the two lateral faces join,can provide design flexibility to help the packaging sachet to stand ona flat surface. The rims, extending from the lateral faces, in itselfmay each have a tri-angular shape, for providing optimal stability tothe packaging, when it is free standing. The apices of these trianglesare normally located at the front side of the packaging sachet and thebases at the back side.

A seal rim (5) extends over the ends of the lateral faces which are notadjacent to the bottom face and the front face. The ends of the lateralfaces are preferably attached to each other by this seal rim (5) andthereby define the top side (7) and the back side (8) of the packagingsachet. The seal rim thereby preferably forms a two-dimensionalstructure, i.e. the seal is present in one geometrical plane. The sealrim (5) preferably, starts at the apex of the front face. It runspreferably from the apex of the front face to the apex of the bottomface. The seal rim is preferably homogenously sealed over the entirelength of the seal rim. Any unsealed area may not be desired, as thiscould introduce the risk of leakage. The seal is preferably a heat seal.

The seal rim comprises a curved, preferably a convex, area (6 a), or theseal rim comprises at least one angle (6 b), or both. The angle ispreferably a round angle or an obtuse angle, more preferably a roundangle, most preferably a round obtuse angle. Preferably, by the curvedarea or by the at least one angle a top part (7) and a back part (8) ofthe seal rim is defined. The seal rim preferably comprises a top part(7) and a back part (8). The back part of the seal rim runs upwards fromthe apex of the projected bottom face. The back part of the seal runpreferably starts at the apex of the bottom face. Preferably, the backpart of the seal rim runs from the apex of the bottom face to the rightupper corner of the packaging, when observed in horizontal side viewwith the front face directed to the left. Preferably, the angle (β)formed between the back part of the seal rim with the apex of theprojected bottom face is between 70 and 120 degrees. The shortest linebetween the apex of the front face and the back part of the sealpreferably forms an angle with the projected bottom face of between −30and 30 degrees, preferably of between −15 and 15 degrees. In this waythe top part of the seal rim essentially runs parallel to the projectedbottom face. This geometry facilitates proper emptying by squeezing. Itfurther facilitates the proper formation of a cup in case the ‘dippingformat’ is desired, wherein the maximum of content is offered to theconsumer, with limited loss.

The presence of a curved area, or the presence of at least one angle inthe seal rim of the packaging sachet, or both, allows a good fit in thehand of the consumer. In case the seal rim would be straight, and wouldconnect the respective apices of the triangular front face and of thetriangular bottom face as a straight line, the sachet would be much moredifficult to empty when used in the ‘squeeze format’. Without willing tobe bound by theory, this is because the pressure applied by the hand ofthe consumer to the sachet during squeezing of the packaging, at leastpartly is applied to the back side of the sachet. In case the sachet isused in the ‘dipping format’, a straight seal connecting the apiceswould easily result in tilting-over of the packaging towards the frontside of the sachet. But more important, the ‘dipping format’ would becompromised, as no proper cup can be formed which contains an acceptableamount of content of the sachet and allows dipping of food particles ora finger in the sachet. The content of the sachet would flow out of thesachet on the table or the hand of the consumer. This is obviously notdesired. A curved seal rim or a rim comprising an angle moreoverprovides a bulging-out of the lateral faces, thereby enlarging thevolume of the packaging, at least optically. As is clear from above, thepackaging sachet does not have a tetraeder shape or a pyramid shape. Thelateral faces preferably are bulged out. This should be construed asthat the lateral faces do not fit a 2-dimensional plane, but are3-dimensional surfaces.

The sachet of the present invention normally needs to be opened, tooffer access to the consumer product of the consumer who desires to dipa food item in the sachet or to allow the consumer to squeeze contentout of the sachet. Opening can be carried out for example by cutting ortearing the sachet open. This is preferably done at the front-upper partof the sachet, to create a small opening, from which the content can besqueezed or poured out of the sachet. Alternatively, the consumer cancut off or tear off the upper part of the sachet, preferably along thesealing rim. In this way a ‘dipping format’ is created. To facilitateopening of the sachet, preferably one or two, most preferably two tearstarting points (10) are located at the seal rim. Such a tear startingpoint conveniently comprises a notch, preferably a notch through part ofthe width of the seal rim. Preferably, a tear starting point is locatedat the seal rim usually at the back part of the seal rim, at a distance(d1) from the projected bottom face of higher than 50% and lower than100% of the perpendicular line of the triangular front face (see FIG.7). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the perpendicular line of the triangularfront face is the shortest distance from the apex of the front face to areference surface on which the sachet stands. This line normally isperpendicular to the surface on which the sachet stands, and thereforecalled perpendicular line. This is when it stands with the bottom facefacing the surface on which the packaging stands, as the skilled personunderstands. By tearing the packaging starting from this tear startingpoint, in the direction of the front face of the sachet, the top of thesachet is removed, whereby the sachet is opened and can offer itscontent to the consumer. In this manner the ‘dipping format’ results.

It may be preferred, that a tear starting point is located at the toppart of the seal rim at a distance (d2) from the front end of the sealrim of between 0.5 and 2.5 cm, preferably of between 1 and 2 cm.Preferably, a tear starting point is located at the seal rim, usually atthe top part of the seal rim, at a distance (d2) from the apex of thefront face, conveniently measured over the outer end of the seal rim, ofbetween 10 and 30% of the distance defined by the projection of the apexof the front face on the projected bottom face to the apex of theprojected bottom face (see FIG. 8).

It is most preferred that the sachet of the invention comprises two tearstarting points. These are preferably defined as the two tear startingpoint described above. A weakening line is preferably present after atear starting point, preferably after the tear starting point at theback part of the seal rim. The tear starting point at the back part ofthe seal rim normally starts a tear along the top part of the seal rim.It can be preferred that a weakening line is present after two tearstarting points.

Preferably the invention relates to a packaging,

-   -   wherein one tear starting point guides a tear that removes the        apex of the front face and is located at a distance from the        apex of the front face, measured over the end of the seal rim,        of between 10 and 30% of the distance defined by the projection        of the apex of the front face on the projected bottom face to        the apex of the projected bottom face., and    -   wherein a second tear starting point guides a tear over the top        part of the seal rim, wherein the second tear starting point is        preferably located at the back part of the seal rim, preferably        at a distance from the projected bottom face of higher than 50%        and lower than 100% of the perpendicular line of the triangular        front face.

Preferably, a weakening line is present after at least one of the tearstarting points, preferably after all starting points. This might be aweakening line provided by laser. Such a weakening facilitates the easyremoval of the part to be removed from the sachet for opening.Especially when the area to be removed comprises a curved part, orcomprises areas with a different texture or hardness, the proceeding ofthe tear may easily deviate from the intended course, resulting in asachet which might leak content during use or does otherwise not doseproperly or cannot stand upright properly. Preferably, the sachetcomprises two tear starting points and at least one weakening line,wherein said at least one weakening line is present after a tearstarting point and guides tearing along the upper part of the sealingrim.

The packaging sachet of the present invention is preferably used forunit-dosing of consumer products. Therefore, the volume of the sachetsis not too high. Preferably, the volume of the packaging is of between15 and 40 ml, preferably of between 17 and 30 ml, most preferably ofbetween 17 and 25 ml. At a too high volume it is not practical to keepthe sachet in a hand for dispensing, or put it on a plate for dipping afood item in it.

The material of the packaging sachet is preferably flexible, and not toorigid. This allows proper dispensing by hand, when the ‘squeezingformat’ is desired, while maintaining sufficient rigidity to allowstanding upright autonomously in case the ‘dipping format’ is desired.It also allows removal of a part of the sachet for opening it by tearingoff.

The material to be used for the packaging sachet of the invention maydepend on the content of the sachet. In principle, any sealable,preferably heat-sealable, packaging material can be used, for example alaminate material. As is known to the person skilled in the art, thethickness of the foil, the volume of the packaging sachet and thecontent of the packaging will define the choice of the desired material.A preferred material is paper-aluminium-polyethylene laminate.

The packaging sachet according to the invention preferably contains aconsumer product. The consumer product is preferably a liquid or apaste. Preferably, it is an edible consumer product or a personal careconsumer product, to apply on the body, such as on the skin or scalp.More preferably, the sachet of the invention comprises a dressing, asauce, or a personal care product. A personal care product can be ashower gel, a shampoo or a skin care product. Even more preferably thesachet contains mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, or curry sauce.Most preferably the sachet comprises mayonnaise or ketchup.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method forapplying a consumer product on a food product or on the body, the methodcomprising the steps of

-   -   a) providing a packaging according to the invention, wherein the        packaging comprises a consumer product,    -   b) opening the packaging,    -   c) applying a food product or a finger to the content of the        packaging or the content of the packaging to a food product or        to the body.

Preferably, step b) comprises removing part of the seal rim by cuttingor tearing. Preferably it comprises removing the upper part of the sealrim or removing the front part of the seal rim, including removal of theapex area of the front face. Preferably, in this way 1-20% of the apexarea of the front face is removed. Step b) conveniently comprisestearing, starting from a tear starting point in the form of a notch.

Step c) preferably comprises squeezing the sachet. In this way thecontent is removed from the sachet. Alternatively, step c) maypreferably comprise dipping a food item or a finger into the sachet.

The packaging sachet can be manufactured by a person skilled in the artof packaging. It is preferably prepared starting from 1 piece of foil,preferably a blank. The preparation preferably comprises folding,sealing and filling. The sealing preferably comprises heat sealing.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to the use of apackaging sachet of the invention for dispensing a consumer product, forexample a dressing, a sauce, a shower gel, a shampoo or a skin careproduct. It may further relate to the use of a packaging sachet of theinvention to offer a consumer product, for example a dressing, a sauce,a shower gel, a shampoo or a skin care product, to a consumer.

The present invention is now illustrated by the following not-limitingexamples.

EXAMPLES Description of the Figures

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sachet of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a sachet of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a back view of a sachet of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a sachet of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of a sachet of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a blank suitable for a sachet of the invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a side view of a sachet of the invention. Distancesd1 and d2 respectively indicate the location of notches, used as tearstarting point.

FIG. 9 shows an opened sachet according to the invention, allowing the‘squeeze format’

FIG. 10 shows an opened sachet according to the invention, allowing the‘dipping format’

1. A packaging sachet comprising a bottom face (1), a front face (2),and two lateral faces (3), wherein the bottom face and the front faceeach have the shape of a triangle, the triangles sharing their baselines (4), and wherein a seal rim (5) joins the ends of the lateralfaces which are not adjacent to the front or bottom face, wherein theseal rim (5) comprises at least one of a curved area (6 a) and an angle(6 b) characterised in that the angle between the front face and theprojected bottom face, being the vertical projection of the bottom faceon a horizontal reference surface on which the sachet stands when thetriangular bottom face is facing said surface, is obtuse, and one or twotear starting points (10) are located at the seal rim, and the surfaceof the bottom face and the surface of the front face is plane. 2.(canceled)
 3. A packaging sachet according to claim 1 wherein theprojected bottom face is the projection of the bottom face on thesurface on which the sachet stands when the triangular bottom face facessaid surface.
 4. Packaging sachet according to claim 1, wherein theangle between the front face and of the projected bottom face, is ofbetween 90 degrees and 150 degrees, preferably of between 100 degreesand 140 degrees.
 5. Packaging sachet according to claim 1, wherein theseal rim shows a top part (7) and a back part (8) wherein the back partof the seal rim runs upwards from the apex of the projected bottom face.6. Packaging sachet according to claim 4, wherein the angle formedbetween the back part of the seal rim with the apex of the projectedbottom face is between 70 and 120 degrees.
 7. Packaging sachet accordingto claim 4, wherein the shortest line between the apex of the front faceand the back part of the seal rim forms an angle with the projectedbottom face of between −30 and 30 degrees, preferably of between −15 and15 degrees.
 8. Packaging sachet according to claim 1 wherein a tearstarting point is located at the seal rim at a distance from theprojected bottom face of higher than 50% and lower than 100% of theperpendicular line of the triangular front face.
 9. Packaging sachetaccording to claim 1 wherein a tear starting point is located at theseal rim at a distance from the apex of the front face of between 10 and30% of the distance defined by the projection of the apex of the frontface on the projected bottom face to the apex of the projected bottomface.
 10. Packaging sachet according to claim 1, wherein the seal rimcomprises two tear-starting points.
 11. Packaging sachet according toclaim 10, wherein a weakening line is present after at least one of thetear starting points, preferably after all starting points. 12.Packaging sachet according to claim 1, wherein the volume of thepackaging is of between 15 and 40 ml, preferably of between 20 and 30ml.
 13. Packaging sachet according to claim 1, wherein the packagingsachet contains a dressing, a sauce, or a personal care product. 14.Method for applying a consumer product on a food product or on the body,characterised in that the method comprises the steps of a) providing apackaging sachet according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe packaging sachet comprises a consumer product, b) opening thepackaging sachet, c) applying a food product or a finger to the contentof the packaging sachet or the content of the packaging to a foodproduct or to the body.
 15. Use of a packaging sachet according to claim1 for dispensing a consumer product or for offering a consumer product.